The Day I Lost Hope

July 27th, 2006. Just a somewhat normal day from when I stepped out of bed until the afternoon. Nothing seriously stimulating going on until the news I received from my brother-in-law that he was extended for yet, another six months in Iraq.

With this six months, it will now make four and half years of service when he only signed up for three. The feeling in the pit of my stomach is clearly the lost hope I have on our government. They are now resorting to feeble psychological games and mockery of our soldiers. Did I forget to mention this young man was days away from coming back home to his family?

Does that scare you? I mean, shouldn't our sophisticated government know well ahead of time if additional forces will be needed in Iraq? Are we on such a short limb, that soldiers who are stepping on a plane to head back home have to be yanked off by their shirts for additional service time?

Frankly speaking, this frightens me. It is beyond comprehension that our leaders must handle our troops with such brash, disheartening, and morale sinking actions. I cannot fathom being in the shoes of my brother-in-law who was days away from re-joining civilization only to be slapped in the face. This isn't a slacker that we're speaking of either; this guy earned a Bronze Star for his stupendous service. What a way to repay him.

I am the first to say that I love this country and support it well. I'm not a tree hugging, war hater either. But there comes a point on how to treat people with dignity and respect and this just doesn't cut it in my book.

There are plenty of alternatives for staffing our under-staffed military other than grinding the life out of those who so diligently serve. Maybe it's time for us citizens or civilians if you will, to stand-up for some change.

I know a lot of people who are serviceable, maybe not willing, to assist with the issue. Maybe the time has come that we, as a society, have a cost to live in freedom.

It might be time to payback our debt, rather than let others carry us on their back. Especially, when they can't carry anymore.

DP

Too High a Price? Rubbish!!

An article from the The Nation, http://www.thenation.com/doc/20060731/editors4, discusses the current conflict in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah.

Once again, the view from the left wears rose color glasses with the notion that conflict in the Middle East can be resolved merely through diplomacy. And of course, as the editors are quick to point out, this current war is, once again, the fault of the U.S. government.

I often sit and ask myself if people truly think in this manner or is it simply to get a rise by holding onto an opposing view. I mean, I often cannot logically grasp the suggestions made that conflicts, such as the current war in Lebanon, can be avoided if only Bush could sit down over a cup of coffee and negotiate peace with terrorists and militias.

Don't they get it! These groups want death to Israel and the U.S. for that matter. What is so difficult to understand here?

The editors start off the article by lambasting Israeli forces for 'disproportionate' response to the kidnapping of two soldiers and killing of eight more. I have to ask these editors, does Israel have the right to protect its Nation? I mean, at what point is enough, enough? Would proportionate reaction be capturing two Hezbollah soldiers and killing eight more? Should the two sides go back and forth with each other like a game of chess, taking out one piece at a time, as to be fair?

When a militia lives at the doorstep of your Nation and its primary goal is to see to your death, I strongly believe, and advise for that matter, the right to destroy such a group. Would you want an equivalent taking post on the Mexican or Candadian/U.S. border?

The editors go on to point out this conflict is the result of the administration's persistence that Syrian troops withdraw from Lebanon. It is suggested that current occupation of Syrian troops in Lebanon would be a natural restraint on Hezbollah, thus keeping them in order. This, of course, is the same Nation (Syria) that assists in funding Hezbollah. The editors then point out that this conflict should remind us, "peace and stability of the region is too important to be left to Israel and to Washington". And that there is a much greater need for UN involvement. Yet, wasn't it the UN Resolution 1559 that called for the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon?

Is this the type of UN involvement you're requesting? If so, isn't this exactly what you described as the primary reason that led to this conflict, yet so eloquently blamed on the U.S. and Israel? So, which side of the fence is it?

Point being, once Syria left Lebanon its government should've demanded assistance in disarming Hezbollah. Whether the assistance came from moderate Middle Eastern countries, the EU, or the U.S., it undoubtedly was a major task that was never seriously addressed. In fact, I believe the Lebanon government was fine with Hezbollah occupying the southern borders. Consider, why else leave this militia living and breathing within a fragile Nation knowing the tension it stirs with Israel and being led by non-sensible radical leader?

Once again from the left we get our daily dosage of spin, spin, spin. They continue their failure to fully comprehend the enemy that is rising in the Middle East. Their empty suggestions that diplomacy is the answer turns a blind eye on recognizing the face of the enemy. These unified terrorist groups and Nations that serve them in the Middle East will not seize until their destruction and holy war on mankind is achieved.

I ponder everyday why editors, such as these, don't sympathize with that type of reality.

DP

Silent Enemy?

While skimming through thenation.com I came across an interesting article (see below), depicting the current relationship between the U.S. and Russia. While I feel the column is substantially one sided, it does make some good points. With that, I began to process our current political, economic and international landscape within the U.S. and concern arose over me. The article makes clear and for the most is generally on target, that the U.S. relations with Russia since the Soviet Union demise has taken a path of the U.S.'s best interests in the ravaged state and its surrounding parts. Over time and with the change of leadership, Putin slowly became wise to this and most likely, in a sense, always was. Roadblocks began to develop within the relationship of the U.S. and Russia. The author would lead you to believe the fault is 90% that of the U.S.; however, he fails to point out Putin's obscure governing style that has taken substantial time of ridding criminal style ruling of the state. Leftovers from the previous regime have been allowed to operate with minimal interference. Basically, the economic leading powers of the state are corrupt in nature and operate with a Mafia like fist. No wonder the economy is still in shambles and is only saved by Russia's vast oil resources, although foreign investment in Russia has seen great growth even though most live in poverty.

But without detailing much of what the column points out, one has to worry about the role Russia will play in the near future. Its warming up to Iran and China is concerning. Personally, I don't blame the U.S. for taking military positions in surrounding states and keeping a close eye on this potentially rogue government. I worry that Russia is helping potential threats like Iran and have plans of joining a future conflict between the U.S. and Iran, most likely militarily as a surprise enemy.

How would the U.S. handle this? I mean, Russia still has a great supply of nuclear weapons and still possesses a military threat to the U.S. as it could send shock waves through the world and economy if it ever stood up and joined an erratic government like Iran.

This thought could be a stretch, but it does worry me. The article is a good read and when time permits, I suggest reading it (somewhat long 9-10 pages).

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20060717/cohen_charlierose_video

DP

Back on the Map

Tommy Amaker has just finished potentially his most important week since arriving at Michigan. The much maligned basketball coach just landed two Top 50 recruits in Manny Harris and a re-commitment from Alex Legion. This to go with Top 50 recruit, Deshawn Sims, from the 2006 class. More importantly, Amaker is now getting his hands into the fertile recruiting ground of the Detroit Metro area, which is where all 3 recruits are from.

Amaker has struggled recently to land top national talent. Even more perplexing is his inability to pull in area recruits as developing a pipeline to Detroit talent is vital for a school geographically located as Michigan is.

With these three recruits it could provide Amaker the much needed momentum to finish the 2007 class off with a bang and propel the recruiting ball into motion at Michigan with more top commits to follow. Needless to say, the mood has changed significantly in Ann Arbor over the last several months with the announcemt of the two verbals this week.

It finally appears that Amaker's perseverance and focus is beginning to take its toll of putting Michigan basketball back on the map.

Next area of focus should be an upgrade of the current basketball facilities.

DP

The Not So Normal Feelings of Summer

Let's see, it's July 18th. Usually around this time of year I'm strolling around Barnes and Noble looking for a college football preview magazine or setting up my fantasy football league as I'm jonesing for a sports fix. Or I pop in old Michigan football games to help pass the time. The satisfaction of those items usually wear off within hours, so I'm back at square one just waiting, waiting, waiting for the football season to start.

Some summers I'll engage myself into a project or take some time off work just to help the days pass. Don't get me wrong, I love summer. But the days following a Pistons or Wings championship (or deep playoff run) up until Labor Day weekend can be the most dreary for an avid sports fans, even during the sunshine days of summer.

This year is different, though. No, I haven't made my annual trip to Barnes and Noble. I'm retiring from fantasy football so that's not it either. No projects on the list and I've yet to take my summer vacation.

But today I have a feeling in my gut that, well, isn't normal for this time of year. It's the anxiety that normally comes leading up to a Wings/Avs, Pistons/Heat or UM/OSU game. Problem is, all those teams are enjoying their vacation time right now. The excitement that's over taken me is different this time. A new sport altogether.

The White Sox are coming to town and I'm jacked about it. Wait, can this be right? Tigers vs. White Sox in late July and I'm jacked?

Oddly enough, the not so normal feeling I have is exactly that. We have our first true 'playoff consequence' series in Comerica Park. The City is buzzing as we gear up to see just how the Tigers stack against the Sox. A series win might put this franchise into locomotive type momentum heading into the stretch run. My gut tells me, aside of nervousness, that this series will tell us a lot about our Tigers and just if they can compete with the big boys.

So sit back and enjoy the next 3 games. I can tell you that a few months ago I surely did not have these dates marked on the calendar with a 'to do' item. However, the wife has been warned and the beer is chilling. I'll be uncharacteristically busy for the next three nights.

DP

Is the Future Now?

The first half of the season is in the books. And too many fan’s peculiar surprise, the Detroit Tigers are the best team in MLB. They've consistently won with remarkable starting pitching, boasting a league leading team ERA. Run support has been there when needed. In addition, timely comebacks have put wind under the sails of this high energy team. Lastly, all those 1 run losses the Tigers piled up in 2005 appear to be reversing trend. The Tigers are on pace to win 100+ games and would need a breakdown of significant proportions to fall out of the playoff race.

So all this is great news for the long suffering Tigers fan, right?

Well it depends how you view it and the delicate task Dave Dombrowski has ahead of him. How could he not go for it all with the way the team has been playing of late? But at what cost? Get this MLB fans, the Tigers are no fluke. What I mean is aside from this year the Tigers are going to be around for years to come. The farm system is loaded with talent, which begs the question -is now the time?

The knee jerk reaction is to go for it all, but when you've suffered through so much and finally have an outstanding foundation built, should you start to put cracks in it? Or, do you strategically add a low cost part here and there and prepare for an even more dominate future when key prospects are ready? It is the delicate question Dombrowski gets to answer this month.

While the Tigers may be over stockpiled in certain positions, they must make sure any trade done does not mortgage the future for a short-term answer. It is human tendency to want things now, but the potential longevity of the future looks compelling, too.

Maybe Tigers fans can have both.

DP

End of an Era

The Glory Days of hockey is how we'll remember it. Yes, I realize outside of a handful of towns hockey is merely an after thought. However, if you grew up in the cold brisk winters of Michigan, you know exactly what hockey means to this region.



And so the modern day dynasty finally comes to an end with the retiring of Steve Yzerman, arguably the best captain in sports history and the free agent loss of Brendan Shanahan. Many Wings fans saw this day coming as we slowly lost, one by one, the players who would bring us to our feet each and every spring for the last 12 years - Konstantinov, Festisov, Kozlov, Lapointe, Hasek, Federov, McCarty, Larionov, Yzerman, and Shanny to name a few.

The days were golden to us hockey fans and oh how we were spoiled in Hockeytown since 1995:

- Four Stanley Cup appearances
- 3 Stanley Cup Titles
- 5 President Cup Trophies

The Wings went into each and every season prior to 2004 as one of favorites to win the Cup. Each spring, the entire City hung with every pass, shot, and save. Some seasons ended in heartbreak. But who can forget those magical summers of '97, '98, & '02?

As far back as '95, when the New Jersey Devils ousted the Wings in the Stanley Cup Finals we heard the team was 'old' and needed new blood. Yet, year after year, much of the blood remained the same with only delicate additions or subtractions to the roster.

It is one of the most dominant reigns by a team for such a long period of time that has ever engulfed the sports world. What makes it even more fascinating, it was the same core group of players who produced this success for over 10 years.

The memories will last a lifetime, but who can forget some of these classics:

1. Steve Yzerman's Game 7 double OT goal against St. Louis in '96 pushing the Wings onto the Conference Finals with a 1-0 victory.
2. March of '97, Wings vs. Avs at the Joe when all hell broke loose with a massive brawl that saw Shanny level Patrick Roy, McCarty beat the snot out of Claude Lemieux and the two goalies, Mike Vernon and Patrick Roy, go toe to toe.
3. June of '97 when the Wings went in as clear underdogs against the Flyers and destroyed them with a sweep to win the Cup, topped off by McCarty's magical goal.Days after winning the Cup, the tragic accident that ended Vlady's career.
4. Game 2 of the '98 Stanley Cup Finals against Washington when the Wings score 3 third period goals to force OT and eventually win with Lapointe's pass to Draper igniting them to yet another Stanley Cup.
5. Yzerman scores his 500th career goal while David is in the pisser at the Joe.
6. Down 2 games to 0 in 2002 against the Canucks and watching Yzerman on one leg inspire the Wings to win the next four in a row to take the series.
7. Down 3 games to 2 going into Colorado of the '02 WCF and watching Hasek shutout the Avs in both Game 6 & 7.
8. Game 7 of the WCF in '02 against the Avs and watching Roy get absolutely blitzed 7-0.
9. The triple OT game against Carolina in the '02 Cup Finals that saw Igor Larinov end it with a back handed flip over a sprwaled Irbe to propel the Wings to yet another Stanley Cup.

The days were good for us fans. None of us will ever forget Shanny's first game as Wing and how he dropped his gloves during his first shift to let Detroit fans know he came here to take care of business.

Steve Yzerman's 2002 Stanley Cup run was the most remarkable and courageous effort I've ever seen in sporting competition. Nearly playing on one leg, The Captain led the Wings during that playoff with 19 points and was the key ingredient that ignited the team in series wins against the Canucks and Avs. The sheer admiration of watching him get up every time he was knocked down put a sense of pride into every Detroiter's heart. There will never be another leader that compares to what Yzerman brought to his Red Wings.

Yes, these are just a few of the memories left to us. I mean, how do you sum up 12 years in a few paragraphs?

We looked forward to those spring nights. The long night's of watching games at a friend's house or at Joe Vision. The insane artistic painting of a friend’s car. Hanging out on the Ren Cen roof waiting for the Cup parade at 2am in the morning. Yup, we hung onto those Wings with everything we had.

And now, the landscape of hockey has changed and ultimately is the deciding factor that led to the end of an era. Teams on the ice couldn't dismantle the Wings, but the economic force of the League did.

One thing is for sure, we most likely will never have those days back again. It seems like it was just yesterday when this thing began on the night the Wings took out the Blackhawks to reach the 1995 Stanley Cup Finals. How fast time has flown by. How fast our heroes have aged and left us. How fast we have grown up. Those days began when I was in high school and have ended at the age of 30. Amazing a team can hold a City captive that long.

We certainly enjoyed it and will never forget it.

DP